Overview: Addressing common pet owner questions ensures the chatbot provides quick, accurate, and actionable answers for UK cat and dog owners.
Detailed FAQs:
1 What should I feed my new kitten/puppy?
◦ Kittens: High-protein wet food (e.g., Whiskas Kitten, £0.80-£1.20/pouch, Pets at Home), 3-4 meals daily, ~250 kcal for a 2.3-kg kitten.
◦ Puppies: Puppy kibble (e.g., Eukanuba Puppy, £20-£40/bag, Amazon UK), 3-4 meals, ~500 kcal for a 4.5-kg puppy.
2 How often should I take my pet to the vet?
◦ Kittens/puppies: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks for vaccines. Adults: Annually (£40-£115). Seniors: Biannually.
3 Why is my cat/dog vomiting?
◦ Causes: Hairballs (cats), dietary indiscretion (dogs), or illness. Monitor 24 hours; if persistent or with lethargy, see a vet.
◦ Example: “For cat hairballs, brush daily and use Katalax (£10, VetUK).”
4 How do I stop my dog from barking excessively?
◦ Triggers: Boredom (30% of cases), fear, or attention-seeking.
◦ Solutions: Increase exercise, use puzzle toys (e.g., KONG Classic, £10, Pets at Home), or train “quiet” with Coachies Treats.
5 Is my pet overweight?
◦ Cats: No waist, belly sags (ideal: 3.6-5.4 kg). Dogs: Ribs not easily felt (ask vet for ideal weight).
◦ Action: Reduce calories by 10-15%, use low-calorie foods (e.g., Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic).
6 Can my pet eat human food?
◦ Safe: Plain chicken, carrots, green beans. Toxic: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol.
◦ Example: “A small piece of cooked carrot is a great dog treat but avoid grapes.”
7 How much exercise does my pet need?
◦ Cats: 20-30 min play daily (e.g., laser pointer). Dogs: 30 min-2 hours based on breed.
◦ Example: “A Beagle needs a 45-minute walk and 15-minute play session daily.”
8 Why is my cat not using the litter box?
◦ Causes: Stress (20% of cases), dirty box, or FLUTD. Ensure 1 box/cat + 1, scoop daily, and check for straining.
9 How do I groom my long-haired pet?
◦ Cats: Daily brushing with a Ferplast GRO Comb (£6-£10, VetUK). Dogs: 2-3x weekly with a Wahl Slicker Brush (£10-£15).
10 What’s the best flea prevention?
◦ Cats: Advocate Spot-On (£12-£15/month, VetUK). Dogs: Bravecto (£20-£30/3 months, VetUK) or Bob Martin Clear Collar (£10, Amazon UK).
Chatbot Training Tips:
• Input FAQs as Q&A pairs: “Why is my cat vomiting?” → “Occasional vomiting may be hairballs, but if it’s frequent or with other symptoms, see a vet. Try brushing daily or Katalax from VetUK.”
• Encourage follow-ups: “Does that help with your pet’s issue? Want a care plan or more tips?”
• Program UK product links: “For fleas, try Advocate for cats or Bravecto for dogs, available at VetUK.”
